Minister introduces Gender-based Violence, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (Wales) Bill
30 Jun 2014 03:50 PM
Legislation aimed at confronting gender-based
violence, domestic abuse and sexual violence, has today (June 30th) been
introduced to the National Assembly for Wales.
The
Minister for Local Government and Government Business, Lesley Griffiths AM, has
brought forward the Gender-based Violence, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence
(Wales) Bill.
The
Bill recognises the wide reach of these forms of violence and abuse, and aims
to protect all members of society. However, it acknowledges violence against
women accounts for a disproportionate number of incidents.
Lesley Griffiths AM said:
“This Bill is an important step forward in
protecting vulnerable people against violations of their basic human rights, so
very often hidden from the rest of the world.
“The wide reach of this legislation looks at all
aspects of gender-based violence, domestic abuse and sexual violence. We have a
strong record in this area. In 2010 we published ‘The Right to be
Safe’ our strategy for tackling all forms of violence against
women.
“It places a responsibility on us all, from
individuals to public sector organisations such as the NHS and the Fire and
Rescue Service, to make a stand against such abuse and
violence.”
The
Bill is part of a wider package of measures aimed at reducing the rates of
gender-based violence, domestic abuse and sexual violence in Wales. It was laid
on the same day the Welsh Government launched its Make A Stand campaign to
raise awareness of these important issues.
The
Welsh Government will also, today, receive White Ribbon accreditation for its
commitment to stand against domestic abuse and violence against women through
the involvement of men and boys.
The
Minister added:
“Key to the wider package of measures to support
the Bill is our Healthy Relationships agenda. I have increased the level
of funding provided to Hafan Cymru to extend the coverage of the Spectrum
Programme, which delivers Healthy Relationship lessons in schools across Wales.
Progress is also being made in relation to a wider package of whole
school approach measures with a view to ensuring schools mainstream addressing
gender-based violence, domestic abuse, and sexual
violence.”
Should the Bill successfully pass through the National
Assembly for Wales, it will place a responsibility on the public sector to
improve their responses to these issues.
It
will:
- promote awareness of, and to prevent, protect and
support victims of, gender-based violence, domestic abuse and sexual
violence;
- strengthen the strategic leadership and accountability
for gender-based violence, domestic abuse and sexual violence;
and
- improve the consistency, quality and join-up of service
provision in Wales.
The
Bill will also lead to the appointment of a Ministerial Adviser to work with
the Welsh Government to tackle, gender-based violence, domestic abuse and
sexual violence. The post is the first role of its kind in the
UK.
The
legislation has now been introduced into the National Assembly and the Minister
for Local Government and Government Business will deliver an Oral Statement in
relation to the Bill during Plenary in the Senedd tomorrow
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